Publication Date

Fall 2012

Program Name

South Africa: Multiculturalism and Human Rights

Abstract

This study looks to examine how the Presidential Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) works to achieve one of its key goals, the empowerment of women, in the Western Cape. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects women disproportionately, around the world and in South Africa. Thus, women should be a key focus of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) relief and HIV prevention. This paper analyzes the work of PEPFAR to empower women through three lenses. Women’s empowerment in general is discussed, to see how organizations view their own methods of empowerment. PEPFAR’s work with sex workers is examined, as they are often women and the stigmas they face in society compound their struggles receiving HIV prevention and AIDS relief services. Finally, this paper will explore sex education, to look at both abstinence and comprehensive programs, as well. Alternative education routes are key. This paper will explore these topics by looking at two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), GOLD Peer Education and TB/HIV Care Association, a faith-based organization (FBO), Scripture Union, and one of the key funders of the program, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as PEPFAR, United States Government (USG) and South African government (SAG) documents.

Disciplines

Civic and Community Engagement | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Family, Life Course, and Society | Health Services Administration | Immune System Diseases | Inequality and Stratification | Politics and Social Change | Women's Studies

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